Morgan Sindall Construction's Thames Valley team has formally handed over the relocation, extension and refurbishment of Reading Library to Reading Borough Council, completing Phase Two of the town’s civic quarter upgrade.

The programme has delivered a new Central Library alongside an extension to the Civic Offices on Bridge Street and targeted refurbishments within the existing building, creating approximately 1,400m² of modern library accommodation and reorganised customer service facilities. Procured through the Westworks DPS Framework, the works form part of a wider £10.7 million regeneration of Reading’s civic quarter.

The transformed library includes a striking atrium, self-service kiosks, improved accessibility throughout and a dedicated children’s library designed to foster creativity and learning for younger visitors.

An official launch welcomed project partners, Reading Borough Council representatives and key stakeholders, including Matt Rodda MP (Reading Central), Olivia Bailey MP (Reading West and Mid Berkshire) and Councillor Liz Terry, Leader of Reading Borough Council.

The opening day attracted more than 2,300 visitors. Highlights included Mayor‑hosted Rhymetime sessions for around 100 children and families, and first school visits from Katesgrove and Coley Primary Schools.

-- Advertisement --

Phase One was completed earlier this year, with the redesigned Civic Centre reception opening to the public on 26 January. That stage introduced a bright, double‑height atrium accessed via new revolving doors, digital check‑in services and modern, accessible facilities, with devices and staff support available for those needing help with online services.

Construction was delivered on a live site, with a phased programme and close collaboration ensuring day‑to‑day civic operations continued safely and with minimal disruption to staff, library users and the public.

In line with Morgan Sindall's social value commitments, eight apprentices and seven work placement students gained on‑site experience, 11 new jobs were created for local people, and engagement with 12 schools showcased careers in construction.

Sustainability was a key focus, with the scheme achieving a BREEAM ‘Very Good’ rating. Measures included sustainably sourced timber, recycled demolition materials and a new MEP system to suit the redesigned layout. The team also used CarboniCa, a digital carbon modelling tool validated by Arup and aligned with RICS professional standards, to calculate embodied carbon savings across the project lifecycle.

The project was delivered with CPMG (landscape and architects), Pick Everard (project managers), Hands On (engineers), Etch (M&E engineers) and Glanville (civil and structural engineers).

James York, Area Director for Morgan Sindall Construction in the Thames Valley, said: "What an achievement it is to have completed this important project for Reading Borough Council and the local community. The transformation of the library and civic offices has created a modern, accessible, and sustainable space that will benefit residents for many years to come.

"Delivering the works on a live site required close collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure disruption was kept to a minimum, and I'd like to thank everyone involved for their support throughout the project. It's particularly rewarding to see the positive social impact created through apprenticeships, employment opportunities, and engagement with local schools alongside the delivery of a high-quality civic facility."